Air support vehicle

ABSTRACT

A vehicle constructed for operation on the air cushion principle and including an internal tubular frame mounting all of the operational components of the vehicle. The vehicle body is molded into sections separate from the independently constructed frame. The assembled vehicle includes a single power source for the lift and pusher fans or propellers and the skirt is in the nature of an inflated tube.

r [72] Inventor:

United States Patent Eglen [54] AIR SUPPORT VEHICLE Jan A. Eglen, TerreHaute, Ind. [73] Assignee: Eglen Hovercraft, Inc.

[22} Filed: March 26, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 22,848

'[52] US. Cl ..180/117, 180/116 [51] Int. Cl. ..B60v l/l4, B60v 1/18[58] Field of Search ..180/117, 124, 129; 9/6;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,376,753 5/1945 Bowen ..9/62,855,885 10/1958 Thomas ..9/6 X 2,995,104 8/1961 Mills ..9/6 X3,082,836 3/1963 Billman ..180/124 3,153,461 10/1964 Bollum, Sr..180/117 1151 3,685,607 [451 Aug. 22, 1972 3,205,960 9/1965 Sperazz,Sr. 1 80/1 17 3,232,366 2/ 1966 C0ckerell ..180/124 3,291,242 12/ 1966Tinajero 1 80/129 X 3,372,408 3/ 1968 Luger et a1. ..9/6 3,468,395 9/1969 Winter ..180/1 17 3,543,314 12/1970 Tropf et al ..9/6

Primary Examiner-A. Harry Levy Attorney-Clarence A. OBrien and Harvey B.Jacobson ABSTRACT A vehicle constructed for operation on the air cushionprinciple and including an internal tubular frame mounting all of theoperational components of the vehicle. The vehicle body is molded intosections separate from the independently constructed frame. Theassembled vehicle includes a single power source for the lift and pusherfans or propellers and the skirt is in the nature of an inflated tube.

12 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAIIBZZ m2 I 3585.607 SHEET 1.- 0F4.

Jan A E glen INVENTOR.

BY wm WWI/way m PATENTED M1222 m2 SHEET 3 OF 4 Jan A. E g/en INVENTOR.

PATENTED M1822 m2 SHEET 0F 4 Fig.5

J0!) A Eg/en INVENTOR.

lL/III formed internal frame specifically constructed so as to mount allof the operating components of the vehicle,

primarily the single motor or power unit and the multiple lift andpusher fans driven thereby. Constructed in this manner, the vehicle isparticularly adapted for mass production techniques, which in turnprovide for an economically constructed unit and a commercially feasibleproduct.

Another significant object of the instant invention resides in theprovision of a vehicle which is compact, utilizing a single power plantfor a power driving of both the lift and pusher fans.

Other objects of the instant invention reside in the provision of acraft wherein the body is molded so as to provide maximum lift andmaneuverability and an inherent degree of buoyancy, the lift fan ductsare integrally molded as a portion of the upper body shell, the skirt isselectively inflatable and provides a bumper means, and the verticalpusher prop is selectively foldable so as to compact the unit.

Basically, the particular advantages sought in the instant inventionareachieved through the provision of a generally rectangular tubular framewhich mounts an upstanding foldable pusher fan, a power unit and one ormore lift fans. The body of the craft is formed of separately moldedupper and lower shells which enclose the frame and project forwardlytherefrom so as todefine a passenger receiving cockpit and a forwardlytapering front end. An inflatable skirt surrounds the major portion ofthe bottom of the craft and acts so as to confine and selectivelyrelease the lift air generated by the lift fan. The lower shell isbolted to the frame and the upper shell is in turn affixed to the lowershell peripherally thereof.

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the air cushion vehicle comprising theinstant invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially on aplane passing along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passingalong line33 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 isa cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passingalong line 4-4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail taken sub- Referring nowmore specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 10 is used togenerally designate the air support or air cushion vehicle comprisingthe instant invention. This vehicle, noting FIG. 7, includes three basicunits, upper and lower molded shells 12 and 14, of thermovacuumedplastic, glass reinforced plastic, or the like, and a welded frame 16.

The frame 16 is formed of square tubular members and is specificallyconfigured so as to mount all of the operating components of the vehicleor craft 10 substantially independently of the two body shells 12 and14. The frame 16 is generally rectangular and includes upper and lowerparallel side beams 18 and 20, the forward portions of which convergeand are interconnected, in each instance, by a relatively shorttransverse front beam 22. Two transverse rear beams 24 also interconnectboth the rear ends of the lower side beams 20 and the upper side beamsinwardly of the rearwardly projecting end portions. In other words, thetransverse rear beams 24 are in a common plane with the longer upperside beams 18 projecting rearwardly thereof. The frame 16 is internallycompleted and braced by supplemental beams extending longitudinally,transversely and diagonally between the various side, front and rearbeams so as to provide a highly rigidified structure. A flat verticallyorientated elongated plate 26 is welded or otherwise permanently affixedacross the front of the frame 16 and projects laterally beyond both endsof the relatively short front beams 22. This plate 26 in turn has thetwo vertical legs 28 of a roll bar 30 rigidly affixed thereto, alsopreferably by welding. The legs 28, as will be appreciated from thedrawings, project a substantial distance above the frame 16 and arelatively shorter distance below the frame 16. A horizontally orientedelongated flat mounting plate 32 is secured to the lower ends of theroll bar legs 28.

As previously indicated, the frame 16 is to mount all of the operatingcomponents of the vehicle or craft 10. These components include anenlarged power plant or motor 34 mounted centrally on the upper portionof the frame 16 adjacent the upper rear transverse beam 24. A verticaldrive shaft 36 depends from the motor 34 and has the lower end thereofrotatably received and stabilized by an appropriate bearing unit 38mounted on the lower portion of the frame 16. This drive shaft 36 mountsa pair of lift fan driving pulleys 40 and a single pusher fan pulley 42.

The lift fans 44 are horizontally orientated and positioned over theupper portion of the frame 16 to the opposite sides thereof in generalalignment over the points at which the opposed upper side beams 18 angleinwardly. Each of the lift fans 44 includes a vertical depending shaft46 which is mounted within appropriate thrust bearings 48 afiixed toaligned upper and lower portions of the frame 16, the shafts 46projecting a slight distance below the bottom of the frame 16. Each liftfan shaft 46 and hence the fan 44 thereon, is driven by an endless belt50 extending from the appropriate pulley 40 on the motor drive shaft 36about a similar pulley 52 on the appropriate fan shaft 46.

The pusher prop or fan 54 is positioned vertically to the rear and abovethe frame 16 within a circular duct or duct-like housing 56. A pair ofside supports 58, each consisting of a first vertical member 60 and asecond slightly rearwardly inclined member 62, are

welded to the rear ends of the upper side beams 18 and projectvertically therefrom to the opposed sides of the pusher fan housing 56.Each support 58 includes a transverse member fixed between the outerends of the vertical members 60 and 62 with these members 64 in turnpivotally mounting the housing 56 therebetween. In this manner, thepusher prop 54 and housing 56 can be selectively shifted from thevertical operative position of FIGS. 1 and 2 to the stored orinoperative position of FIG. 6. Each of the supports 58 is provided witha bolt or pin opening 66 laterally aligned with the pivot pin whichmounts the housing 56 for a selective reception of an appropriatelocking pin or bolt therethrough. A similar opening 68 in the housing 56aligns therewith upon a vertical orientation of the housing 56 so as toreleasably lock the housing 56 and pusher fan 54in the verticaloperative position thereof.

The pusher fan 54 includes a rearwardly directed central shaft 70rotatably received through a mounting hub 72 and projecting rearwardlytherebeyond to mount a combined retaining and driving pulley member 74.A belt 76 engages about the pulley member 74 and extends verticallytherebelow about a pulley 78 fixed to a shaft 80 projecting horizontallyfrom a gear box 82. The box 82 is mounted on a horizontal plate 84 fixedto the frame 16 rearward of the motor 34. The driving force isintroduced into the gear box 82 through vertical shaft means 86. Theshaft means 86 is driven from the motor drive shaft 36 by a belt 88engaged about the pulley 42 and a pulley 90 mounted on the shaft means86. Noting FIGS. 2 and 5 in particular, the lower end of the shaft meansis rotatably supported within an appropriate bearing unit 92 mounted ona support plate 94 fixed to and extending rearwardly from the rear lowerportion of the frame 16. A clutch unit 96 is mounted on the shaft means86 below the pulley 90 and is selectively controlled by a shifting fork98 mounted for vertical movement therebelow. The shifting fork 98includes a central shaft surrounding gimbal-like unit 100, a first endportion 102 pivotally secured to the lower end of a rigid member 104fixed to and depending from the gear box mounting plate 84, and a secondend portion 106 vertically movable through an appropriate linkage means108 extending to and controlled from the passenger compartment. Theshifting fork is normally biased downward by spring means 110 so as todisengage the clutch. The engagement of the clutch, and hence theactivation of the pusher prop 54 requires a positive manipulation of theclutch controlling linkage 108.

Referring again to the pusher fan assembly, it will be noted that a pairof upstanding pivotally mounted rudder blades 112 are provided on theprop housing 56 and project rearwardly therefrom. These rudders are inturn controlled by appropriate cable means engaged therewith andextending to a point accessible from the passage compartment. In orderto insure the rigidity of the prop assembly in its vertical operativeposition, a pair of rearwardly directed braces 114 are pivotally mountedat one end to the fan housing 56 or hub mounting arms, and releasablybolted, at the second ends thereof, to a pair of rigid brackets 116fixed to the upper shell 12. When a folding of the prop assembly isdesired, the bracket connected ends of the braces 114 are merelydisengaged so as to enable an upwardly swinging of the braces inconjunction with a downward swinging of the prop assembly.

Referring now to the bottom body shell 14, it will be noted that thismolded shell includes a rear frame receiving compartment 1 18 includinga flat bottom 120 incorporating a series of air passing openings 122 andan enlarged central rectangular opening 124. The enlarged opening 124 isselectively opened and closed by a louver-type shutter unit 125 mountedthereover and cable controlled from the passenger compartment so as toregulate the bleeding of air to the plenum beneath the craft. To theopposite sides of the enlarged opening 124 are a pair of integrallyformed raised portions 126 incorporating flat tops which define seatsfor the reception of the frame 16. Each of these raised portions 126-includes a mounting plate 128 underlying the flat top thereof, note FIG.4 in particular, which plates 128 are utilized in bolting the overlyingframe structure to the frame supporting portions 126 of the lower shell14. An additional securing and stabilization of the frame 16 relative tothe lower shell 14 is effected by a bolting of the roll bar base plate32 directly to the flat bottom 120 of the rear compartment 1 18. Such abolt mounting will normally also utilize an underlying plate 130. If sodesired, cushioning or shock absorbing material can be used at thepoints of bolted engagement between the frame 16 and the bottom shell14.

In addition to the rear frarne receiving compartment 118, the lowershell 14 includes a forward portion 132 separated from the rear portionor compartment 118 by a transverse partition wall 134. The forward lowerportion 132 includes a pair of longitudinally extending laterally spacedpartition walls 136 which define a central passenger portion or cockpittherebetween within which a seat 138 is formed just forward of thepartition wall 134. The floor of the forward section 132 curves upwardlyto a forward laterally directed edge flange 142. This edge flange 142 infact continues peripherally around the lower shell 14 and provides ameans for interlocking the upper shell 12 thereto. The upwardly curvingforward bottom portion provides a streamline configuration to the lowershell which facilitates the lift and forward movement of the craft,giving it in effect an aerodynamic configuration. Likewise, thisconfiguration reduces hydrodynamic drag when the craft is operating inthe displacement mode, that is, lets the craft plane easier as it comesup on the air cushion. The box-like recess 144 provided in the frontportion of the lower shell 14 is for the mounting of an appropriateheadlight unit which, when mounted, will provide for a smoothcontinuation of the curving bottom 140. Integrally formed as a portionof the bottom shell 14 is a small battery compartment 146 locatedcentrally immediately behind the transverse partition wall 134.

The skirt 148 which surrounds and defines the air chamber or plenumbeneath the craft 10 is in the nature of an enlarged inflatable tubewhich, in addition to acting in the manner of an air containing andselectively releasing skirt so as to provide the desired lift effect,also acts in the manner of a bumper.

In addition to the buoyancy inherent in the shell construction of thecraft, flotation means can be provided within the lower shell 14.Further, appropriate skid-like supports 150 are provided inward of theopposed longitudinally extending portions of the tubular skirt 148 for asupport of the craft or vehicle upon a deflation of the tubular skirt148. It is contemplated that the skirt will extend peripherally aboutthe opposed sides and across the back of the rear frame receivingchamber, and forward therefrom so as to encompass approximately one-halfof the forward section or at least that portion thereof which willcontain the cockpit or passenger compartment. As indicated previously,the lift fan generated air will escape into the air chamber through theopenings 122 in the bottom of the frame compartment 118, as well asthrough the louver controlled enlarged central opening 124.

The upper shell 12 also includes a peripheral laterally directed flange152 which seats on and is welded, bolted or otherwise rigidly affixed tothe peripheral flange 142 of the lower shell 14 for effecting a positivebonding of the upper and lower shells 12 and 14 to each other. Theflange joint is completed by an ward deck 160. The rear deck 158includes an enlarged central rearwardly directed recess 162, includingside walls 164, which forms a motor well for the accommodation of themotor 34. Forward of the motor well 162, the rear deck 158 includes apair of enlarged fan wells or ducts 166 integrally formed therein andincluding, in each instance, a depending circular wall accommodating thecorresponding lift fan and providing a cooperating air intake ducttherefor. This integral forming of the intake ducts 156 with the topshell is considered particularly significant incontributing to theconstruction of a highly practical and commercially feasible structure.

While the rear deck 158 is substantially flat, the forward deck tapersforwardly gradually within the cockpit or passenger compartment area andthen at a greater rate so as to terminate at the forward portion of theperipheral flange 152, thus in effect corresponding with the taper ofthe bottom which converges thereto. In this manner, the aerodynamicconfiguration of the craft is completed.

In order to complete the cockpit or passenger compartment, the uppershell 12 includes, in the front deck 160, an enlarged open cockpitportion defined by depending peripheral walls 168 which align with thepartition walls 134 and 136 of the lower shell 14 so as to seat thereonupon a joining of the shells. If so desired, a clear plastic canopy 170can be provided over the cockpit and hingedly mounted for a rearwardswinging thereof so as to allow passage to and from the cockpit. Inaddition, so as to accommodate the upwardly projecting roll bar 30, itwill be noted that the rear portion of the front deck 160, immediatelybehind the cockpit forming portion, is provided with an elongatedopening 172 through which the roll bar 30 extends. If so desired,appropriate provision can be made at the forward portion of the top deck160 for a boat light 174 or the like, a similar boat light 176 normallybeing mounted on the top of the pusher fan hood.

Noting FIGS. 2 and 4 in particular, provision is made in the top shell12, immediately behind the front deck 160, for the accommodation of agas tank filler pipe 176 which leads to an appropriate gas or fuel tank178 mounted within the frame 16.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a highly unique aircushion vehicle or ground effects machine has been defined. This machineincorporates a compactness and structural practicality which has notnormally heretofore been associated with similar machines, and whichsignificantly contributes to the commercial feasibility thereof. Ofparticular significance is the formation of the machine or vehicleutilizing three basic components, the frame, which mounts all of theoperating members in a unique arrangement and independent of the body,and the upper and lower body shells which combine to enclose the frameand form the passenger compartment. While not specifically indicatedabove, it will be appreciated that the basic construction set forth canbe utilized in a craft capable of accommodating 1, 2 or more passengers.Further, the lift fans can be in the'nature of axial flow fans orcentrifugal flow fans. It is contemplated that if a centrifugal flow fanis utilized, only a single fan will be provided centered between thelocations of the two illustrated fans.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention asclaimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. In an air support vehicle, a body, a unitary selfcontained framemounted within said body, and operating components including lift fanmeans, pusher fan means, motor means and drive means operatively engagedbetween the motor means and both fan means, said operating componentsbeing operatively mounted on said frame independently of said body, saidbody enclosing said frame, means securing said body to said frame, saidbody being formed of a pair of upper and lower shells, said shellsjoining at approximately midheight on said craft about said frame, saidupper shell including a forward compartment forming section and a rearframe covering section, said rear section having integrally formedinwardly opening air duct means formed therein and in alignment withsaid lift fan means for enabling an intaking of air thereto, the rearsection of the upper shell being formed so as to define a motor well,said frame mounted motor means projecting upwardly therethrough, saidpusher fan means projecting vertically above said upper shell rearwardof the motor means, and means mounting said pusher fan means for aselective forward folding thereof to an inoperative position.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein said lift fan means is orientatedforward of the motor means on said frame, said pusher fan means beingmounted rearward of said motor means, said drive means including shaftson said lift fan means and pusher fan means rotatably mounted on saidframe, a single drive shaft extending from said motor means, and endlessdrive means engaged between said drive shaft and the fan shafts for acommon driving thereof from said motor means drive shaft.

3. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein said frame is generally rectangular inshape, constructed of a plurality of welded tubular bars and includingvertically spaced and rigidly connected upper and lower portions.

4. In an air support vehicle, a body, a unitary selfcontained framemounted within said body, and operating components including lift fanmeans, pusher fan means, motor means and drive means operatively engagedbetween the motor means and both fan means, said operating componentsbeing operatively mounted on said frame independently of said body, saidbody enclosing said frame, means securing said body to said frame, saidframe being generally rectangular in shape, constructed of a pluralityof welded tubular bars and including vertically spaced and rigidlyconnected upper and lower portions, and a vertically elongated roll barpermanently affixed to the front of said frame and projecting verticallythereabove and vertically therebelow, the lower end of said roll barhaving a mounting plate rigidly affixed thereto for engagement with thelower portion of the body.

5. In an air support vehicle, a body, a unitary selfcontained framemounted within said body, and operating components including lift fanmeans, pusher fan means, motor means and drive means operatively engagedbetween the motor means and both fan means, said operating componentsbeing operatively mounted on said frame independently of said body, saidbody enclosing said frame, means securing said body to said frame, saidbody including a rear section overlying the frame and formed so as todefine a motor well, said frame mounted motor means projecting upwardlytherethrough, said pusher fan means projecting vertically above theoverlying body section rearward of the motor means, and means mountingsaid pusher fan means for a selective forward folding thereof to aninoperative position.

6. ln an air support vehicle, a body, a unitary selfcontained framemounted within said body, and operating components including lift fanmeans, pusher fan means, motor means and drive means operatively engagedbetween the motor means and both fan means, said operating componentsbeing operatively mounted on said frame independently of said body, saidbody enclosing said frame, means securing said body to said frame, saidbody being formed of a pair of upper and lower shells, said shellsjoining at approximately midheight on said craft about said frame, saidlower shell including a forward passenger compartment forming sectionand a rear frame receiving section, said rear section including airpassage means opening downwardly therethrough, said upper shellincluding a forward passenger compartment forming section and a rearframe covering section, the rear section of the upper shell being formedso as to define inwardly opening intake air duct means, in alignmentwith the frame mounted lift fan means, the forward sections of the upperand lower shells being configured so as to define, in combination, arecessed walled passenger receiving compartment, the forward sections ofthe upper and lower shells, generally forward of the passengercompartment, converge toward each other so as to terminate in a thinforward edge and produce an aerodynamic configuration, the rear sectionof the upper shell being formed so as to define a motor well, said framemounted motor means projecting upwardly therethrough, said pusher fanmeans projecting vertically above said upper shell rearward of the motormeans, and means mounting said pusher fan means for a selective forwardfolding thereof to an inoperative 'ii i i l vehicle of claim 6 whereinsaid lift fan means is orientated forward of the motor means on saidframe, said drive means including shafts on said lift fan means andpusher fan means rotatably mounted on said frame, a single drive shaftextending from said motor means, and endless drive belt means engagedbetween said drive shaft and the fan shafts for a common driving thereoffrom said motor means drive shaft.

8. The vehicle of claim 7 wherein said lift fan means comprises a pairof laterally spaced lift fans simultaneously driven from said motormeans drive shaft, and clutch means operatively interposed between themotor means drive shaft and the pusher fan means for a selectiveengagement and disengagement of the pusher fan means.

9. The vehicle of claim 8 wherein said frame is generally rectangular inshape, constructed of a plurality of welded tubular bars and includingvertically spaced and rigidly connected upper and lower portions.

10. The vehicle of claim 9 including a vertically elongated roll barpermanently affixed to the front of said frame and projecting verticallythereabove and verticallytherebelow, the lower end of said roll barhaving a mounting plate rigidly affixed thereto for engagement with thelower body shell.

11. The vehicle of claim 10 wherein the rear section of the lower shellincludes upwardly projecting frame seating and mounting portions formedtherein.

12. The vehicle of claim 11 including an enlarged opening definedcentrally through the bottom of the rear section of the lower shell, andcontrollable closure means associated with said opening for anadjustable closing and opening thereof.

1. In an air support vehicle, a body, a unitary self-contained framemounted within said body, and operating components including lift fanmeans, pusher fan means, motor means and drive means operatively engagedbetween the motor means and both fan means, said operating comPonentsbeing operatively mounted on said frame independently of said body, saidbody enclosing said frame, means securing said body to said frame, saidbody being formed of a pair of upper and lower shells, said shellsjoining at approximately mid-height on said craft about said frame, saidupper shell including a forward compartment forming section and a rearframe covering section, said rear section having integrally formedinwardly opening air duct means formed therein and in alignment withsaid lift fan means for enabling an intaking of air thereto, the rearsection of the upper shell being formed so as to define a motor well,said frame mounted motor means projecting upwardly therethrough, saidpusher fan means projecting vertically above said upper shell rearwardof the motor means, and means mounting said pusher fan means for aselective forward folding thereof to an inoperative position.
 2. Thevehicle of claim 1 wherein said lift fan means is orientated forward ofthe motor means on said frame, said pusher fan means being mountedrearward of said motor means, said drive means including shafts on saidlift fan means and pusher fan means rotatably mounted on said frame, asingle drive shaft extending from said motor means, and endless drivemeans engaged between said drive shaft and the fan shafts for a commondriving thereof from said motor means drive shaft.
 3. The vehicle ofclaim 1 wherein said frame is generally rectangular in shape,constructed of a plurality of welded tubular bars and includingvertically spaced and rigidly connected upper and lower portions.
 4. Inan air support vehicle, a body, a unitary self-contained frame mountedwithin said body, and operating components including lift fan means,pusher fan means, motor means and drive means operatively engagedbetween the motor means and both fan means, said operating componentsbeing operatively mounted on said frame independently of said body, saidbody enclosing said frame, means securing said body to said frame, saidframe being generally rectangular in shape, constructed of a pluralityof welded tubular bars and including vertically spaced and rigidlyconnected upper and lower portions, and a vertically elongated roll barpermanently affixed to the front of said frame and projecting verticallythereabove and vertically therebelow, the lower end of said roll barhaving a mounting plate rigidly affixed thereto for engagement with thelower portion of the body.
 5. In an air support vehicle, a body, aunitary self-contained frame mounted within said body, and operatingcomponents including lift fan means, pusher fan means, motor means anddrive means operatively engaged between the motor means and both fanmeans, said operating components being operatively mounted on said frameindependently of said body, said body enclosing said frame, meanssecuring said body to said frame, said body including a rear sectionoverlying the frame and formed so as to define a motor well, said framemounted motor means projecting upwardly therethrough, said pusher fanmeans projecting vertically above the overlying body section rearward ofthe motor means, and means mounting said pusher fan means for aselective forward folding thereof to an inoperative position.
 6. In anair support vehicle, a body, a unitary self-contained frame mountedwithin said body, and operating components including lift fan means,pusher fan means, motor means and drive means operatively engagedbetween the motor means and both fan means, said operating componentsbeing operatively mounted on said frame independently of said body, saidbody enclosing said frame, means securing said body to said frame, saidbody being formed of a pair of upper and lower shells, said shellsjoining at approximately mid-height on said craft about said frame, saidlower shell including a forward passenger compartment forming sectionand a rear frame receiving section, said rear section including airpassage means opening downwardly therethrough, said Upper shellincluding a forward passenger compartment forming section and a rearframe covering section, the rear section of the upper shell being formedso as to define inwardly opening intake air duct means, in alignmentwith the frame mounted lift fan means, the forward sections of the upperand lower shells being configured so as to define, in combination, arecessed walled passenger receiving compartment, the forward sections ofthe upper and lower shells, generally forward of the passengercompartment, converge toward each other so as to terminate in a thinforward edge and produce an aerodynamic configuration, the rear sectionof the upper shell being formed so as to define a motor well, said framemounted motor means projecting upwardly therethrough, said pusher fanmeans projecting vertically above said upper shell rearward of the motormeans, and means mounting said pusher fan means for a selective forwardfolding thereof to an inoperative position.
 7. The vehicle of claim 6wherein said lift fan means is orientated forward of the motor means onsaid frame, said drive means including shafts on said lift fan means andpusher fan means rotatably mounted on said frame, a single drive shaftextending from said motor means, and endless drive belt means engagedbetween said drive shaft and the fan shafts for a common driving thereoffrom said motor means drive shaft.
 8. The vehicle of claim 7 whereinsaid lift fan means comprises a pair of laterally spaced lift fanssimultaneously driven from said motor means drive shaft, and clutchmeans operatively interposed between the motor means drive shaft and thepusher fan means for a selective engagement and disengagement of thepusher fan means.
 9. The vehicle of claim 8 wherein said frame isgenerally rectangular in shape, constructed of a plurality of weldedtubular bars and including vertically spaced and rigidly connected upperand lower portions.
 10. The vehicle of claim 9 including a verticallyelongated roll bar permanently affixed to the front of said frame andprojecting vertically thereabove and vertically therebelow, the lowerend of said roll bar having a mounting plate rigidly affixed thereto forengagement with the lower body shell.
 11. The vehicle of claim 10wherein the rear section of the lower shell includes upwardly projectingframe seating and mounting portions formed therein.
 12. The vehicle ofclaim 11 including an enlarged opening defined centrally through thebottom of the rear section of the lower shell, and controllable closuremeans associated with said opening for an adjustable closing and openingthereof.